Leicester fans march in honor of late Thai owner

Leicester City fans marched in their thousands towards the King Power Stadium on Saturday, kicking off a series of emotional tributes to late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha two weeks after he was killed in a helicopter crash. Supporters braved the pouring rain as they made their way through the streets towards the ground for the first home match since the tragedy holding Leicester flags and wearing club shirts, some with “Vichai” on the back. There was a subdued atmosphere but pockets of chanting, including “We love you Leicester, we do”, “I’m Leicester till I die” and simply “Vichai”. Under Vichai’s ownership, Leicester produced one of the biggest upsets in English football history by winning the 2015/16 Premier League, having started the season as 5,000-1 outsiders for the title. Saturday’s walk was called the 5,000-1 walk in recognition of that astonishing achievement. The charismatic Thai had become a beloved figure in the club and the city a feat rarely achieved by Premier League clubs’ often distant billionaire owners.

“No chairman has done what he’s done with Leicester City. I respect all he’s done and not just for the football club, also charity-wise,” said fan Jake Tilson, 35. “He’s a legend.” “I think football can learn from him and the way he gave to the local community.” Another supporter, Don Martin, said: “It seems like it’s a celebration but it’s one of the saddest days for the club. It’s recognition for the chairman. “I’m confident about the future. Top (Vichai’s son) and the rest of the family will carry on his father’s legacy. There is no doubt about that,” added the 57-year-old. On Friday, the club announced plans to erect a statue of Vichai at the stadium. His son Aiyawatt, the club’s vice chairman who is known as Top, wrote in Saturday’s match programme: “We will never be able to repay what he did for us for me as his son, us as his family, everyone connected to Leicester City and beyond but we are committed to honoring his memory and upholding his legacy.”

Manager Claude Puel wrote: “He (Vichai) may not be here in person today but he will be here in spirit and we will carry his essence in our hearts.” Vichai was among five people killed when the helicopter plunged to the ground in a car park just outside the stadium following Leicester’s match against West Ham on October 27. The team, currently 10th in the Premier League, returned to action last weekend, beating Cardiff 1-0 away, but on Saturday a capacity home crowd will have a chance to show their appreciation for the man who transformed their club in the match against Burnley. A special “Tribute to Khun Vichai” video will be shown on big screens before kick-off and a two-minute silence will be held. The players will wear tribute T-shirts during their warm-up and in the first half the team will don shirts embroidered with Vichai’s name. The second-half shirts will bear the poppy symbol in honour of those who have given their lives in war, with the match selected as the club’s annual remembrance fixture, 100 years after the end of World War I.

A number of players, including Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel, and manager Puel travelled to Thailand to attend Vichai’s funeral. Schmeichel has been especially affected, having watched the helicopter take off from the pitch before it appeared to go into a fateful spin. “I was on the pitch and I waved him off,” said Schmeichel. “I saw it all happen. It is something that will stay with me, unfortunately.” Mourners have turned Leicester’s stadium into a shrine to Vichai, carpeting the ground with floral tributes and messages of thanks. Stories have emerged of his acts of generosity to the club’s supporters and players and sizeable donations he made to local hospitals. Puel has admitted getting the players ready for the game against struggling Burnley had been tough. “It’s not easy to prepare this game, but the togetherness between us all, it’s a good feeling, a good energy, a fantastic strength,” he said.